We rightly consider keeping many balls in the air a circus stunt. Yet even the juggler does it only for ten minutes or so. If he were to try doing it longer, he would soon drop all the balls. –Peter Drucker
Although we may take pride in being busy, or in our ability to multi-task, juggling too many things at a time does not lead to effectiveness. In fact, it can do just the opposite.
Whether it be jumping frantically back and forth between tasks during the day, or trying to wear too many hats in a season of life, juggling is not the path to effectiveness. Instead, not only will it take its toll physically and emotionally, but it will also keep us from giving proper attention to the things that matter most.
Yes, we may stay busy, but in the end, we grow less effective. Because effectiveness is not about staying busy, but about doing the things that are most important. And these kind of things—these important things—are tough to do, and do well, when they are just part of the many things we’re constantly juggling.
Throughout our life, countless things will vie for our time, and we’ll have to choose how we will respond. Will we choose to focus on a few things, or will we continue to juggle everything? Will we be able to let some of the balls fall to the ground so we can fully give our attention to the things that matter most? Or will we stay busy trying to keep them all in the air?
Because ultimately, our long-term effectiveness is contingent on our ability to focus, not our ability to juggle.